Saturday, 29 March 2014

27th March 2014: Hanmer (mod)

A good-sized group of 15 assembled at Hildegard’s for the usual effusive welcome. Dave M was in short ride mode and set off for home the long way. Clive, Ivan and Paul set off for a brisk ride southwards, while the remaining group of Mike G, Bryan, Ray, Andy, Tom, Steve H, Dave H, George, Dave & Liz P, and Jim set off for a moderate ride to Hanmer. We were a little disconcerted to be informed that the Hanmer Arms had recently undergone refurbishment and might not be open. However, plans had been made so we set off optimistically down the lanes towards Ridleywood, Sutton Green and Bangor on Dee. The weather was chilly but dry and we looked forward to a reasonable day. However, we had overlooked the fact that after a very wet winter the local farmers had all set out to get the spring ploughing done while the weather was dry. Consequently, the lanes were covered with a layer of glutinous mud that found it’s way into the gap between tyre and mudguard, and quickly became an irritation in both noise and drag terms. The first of a number of stops took place while we poked around with bits of stick to clear away the offending material.

Leaving Bangor on Dee, we continued southwards to Penley and Hampton Wood. Turning too soon out of Penley, we had to cross the very steep little valley by Brookmill, but pressed on regardless through Hampton Wood towards Bettisfield.

Turning back northwards we soon reached Hanmer Mere and the Hanmer Arms. To our relief the pub was open for business and offering an exceptional choice of ales and reasonably priced soda & limes. The food was well cooked and priced, and we were soon back on the road, after once again clearing huge gobs of mud from our machines. We crossed the A525 at Eglwys Cross, and followed the signs for Higher and Lower Wych: always a grind crossing the valley. Keeping to the west of Malpas, we passed Cuddington Heath, and Chorlton Lane before entering the last part of the journey through Shocklach and Farndon. Ray, Mike G and Andy left us here and a few minutes later the heavens opened! We had a tasty coffee and cake back at Hildegard’s before setting off home. A mainly dry ride of 37 miles, or 60 for those from Chester.

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Delamere Station Café to re-open on November 18th.

According to workmen erecting a new sign at the entrance to the café, it will re-open this Sunday. Posted 16.11.2018.

Christmas Lunch - Note from Dave H: This will take place on13th.December at Pant-yr-Ochain, Gresford LL12 8TY. This venue is a past favourite of ours, and we have never been disappointed. The environment inside and out is very attractive, and the food and service excellent. I am including a modest tip in the asking price to save a lot of hassle on the day. You will find their Christmas Fayre menu on their website (https://www.brunningandprice.co.uk/pantyrochain/) .A two course meal with tip will be £25, and a three course £30. Please let Dave know a.s.a.p. if you plan to go. The days ride will start from Meadow Lea.

Secretary

Founder

Bryan Wade (club founder)

For me cycling is about enjoying the countryside with friends and colleagues. Exploring new lanes and byways, and finding new tea stops to chat and put the world to right, are all part of the pleasure. Chester Easy Riders cycling club was founded to bring similarly minded cyclists together.

Blog Admin

As from the beginning of January 2017 the role of Blog Administrator has been taken by Steve T. Steve T takes on overall responsibility for the blog design and content while weekly posts continue to be made by the Blog Editors: Clive (brisk rides) and Steve H (moderate rides).